In San Francisco, the normalization of drug use and homelessness is increasingly evident. A social worker highlighted the shift in public attitude towards open drug use, which was once stigmatized but has now become commonplace. Despite new housing developments and police efforts to clean up the area, individuals like Kerry, who struggle with addiction and homelessness, remain marginalized and judged. Kerry's story exemplifies the personal struggles of those experiencing homelessness, as he navigates his situation with a desire to live purposefully despite societal prejudices and the realities of city living.
I didn't used to see open drug use. Now it's no big thing to use right out in the open. There used to be an etiquette to it.
It's not been easy out here. People are quick to judge and place me in the same category as others. But I'm just trying to live with purpose.
I usually sit for about ten minutes before I feel like I have to get up. We're not all out here destroying the place - some of us are just trying to do the right thing.
There's just more of an increase of, like, police presence. And then this idea of like, 'clean it up, make it look nice.' But people are still in crisis.
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